England in fine fettle thanks to Crouch

England 3-1 Egypt
Substitute Peter Crouch took his international tally to 20 goals in 37 appearances with two second-half strikes in England's 3-1 victory over Egypt.

Wayne Rooney's startling form for Manchester United FC had hogged the limelight in the run up to the game but it was Crouch, who replaced Tottenham Hotspur FC team-mate Jermain Defoe at half-time, who caught the eye at Wembley. Mohamed Zidan had given Egypt the lead but Crouch scored either side of Shaun Wright-Phillips in the second half to secure victory for Fabio Capello's side.

Winners of the last three editions of the African Cup of Nations, Egypt's sprightly start was rewarded midway through the opening period when BV Borussia Dortmund striker Zidan seized upon Matthew Upson's slip and finished past Robert Green.

Crouch came on for Defoe at the interval and took just 13 minutes to draw England level, putting the finishing touch to Gareth Barry's cross after the hosts' most incisive move of the match.

Two of Crouch's fellow substitutes engineered England's second, Essam Al-Hadari nimbly saving James Milner's venomous effort only to see Wright-Phillips swerve in the rebound. The Manchester City FC winger turned provider 15 minutes from time with a cross that Crouch tapped in with ease.